To Janice A. Frank janiceaf@ix.netcom.com and others researching the GILSON surname in Crawford County: Here are the references I found to that surname in the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." On page 975, in the Biographical Sketch section for Rome Township: "Waterman Guy Goodrich, farmer and lumberman, PO Titusville, was born in Rome Township, this county, June 10, 1828; son of Chauncey and Sarah (Shepard) Goodrich, both natives of Connecticut, and who settled in this township in 1819. She departed this life in 1839, and he in 1865. They were an upright pioneer couple, highly respected by all who knew them. Our subject's grandfather and two brothers - Russell and Seymour - were also residents of this township for some years. Waterman G. Goodrich was the youngest of the family, and received his education in the limited schools of those early times. He settled on his present farm in 1850, and became established in the saw-mill on Little Oil Creek with his father. On coming of age he bought out this property. He was married, May 21, 1850, to Elizabeth S. Eldred, who was born in Addison County Vt., August 26, 1826, and came to Rome Township, this county, in 1841. To this union was born one son - William E. - married to Nettie GILSON, June 28, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich adopted Jennie Morris, she being then about eight years of age, and she is still living with them. Mr. Goodrich has added to his property till he now owns 225 acres of land in this and Oil Creek Townships. He is an industrious, enterprising citizen. In this religious views he is a Universalist, extending his good will to all." On page 978, in the same section: "John R. Magee, farmer and mechanic, PO Centreville, was born October 7, 1836, in Rome Township, this county, and is a grandson of John Magee, who came as farm as Northumberland County, Penn., and there died about 1804. His widow settle din the vicinity of Mageetown about 1806, and there departed this life in 1814. Her daughters were Mrs. Mary Brannon, Mrs. Nancy GILSON and Mrs. Catherine Coyle. Of her sons, Roger took up several tracts of land in this township; Henry returned to Northumberland County, Penn.; John, who also returned to that county, in about a year moved to New York, and there married Catherine Rafferty, of New York City, returned to this township, November, 1835, and here developed a farm and died in 1873. He was an honored pioneer. He and all his family were consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church. His widow resides on the old homestead. They were the parents of Henry, Mrs. Catherine Southworth, Rosanna and John R. Our subject was married November 11, 1862, to Loretta Magee, by whom he has the following children: Ambrose M., John J. and Martha. Mr. Magee is a skillful carpenter, wagon-maker and blacksmith, and bears the reputation of turning our first-class workmanship. He erected many of the houses and barns in this vicinity, and can make a wagon complete, including the iron work and painting. He has a comfortable home of forty-five acres of well-improved land. In politics he has ever been a Democrat." On page 983, of the same section: "James Weidner, farmer, PO Glyndon, was born August 13, 1824, in Venango County, Penn., son of John and Catherine Weidner, who were natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and very early settlers of Venango County. Our subject was united in marriage in September, 1839, with Mary Long, of the same county, who bore him the following children; Rebecca (now Mrs. Harrison), Phebe (now Mrs. Buell), Anna (now Mrs. GILSON), William, Abigail (now Mrs. Buell), Carson, James, Elmer, Daniel and Ina. Mr. and Mrs. Weidner located in Rome Township, this county, in 1864, and by industry and good management have accumulated a fine property, having a pleasant home and 223 acres of well improved land. Mr. Weidner is an enterprising and successful farmer. In politics has been a life-long Democrat." On page 1073, in the Bio Sketch section for Steuben Township: "John P. Navy, farmer, PO Townville, was born in Steuben Township, this county, June 1, 1852, son of Christopher and Ann (GILSON) Navy, who were natives of Lancaster and Crawford Counties, Penn., respectively; they were married in this county July 13, 1848, and had a family of four children, viz.: John P. Lurania V., Henrietta E. and Martha E. The father died April 14, 1884, and is buried in Townville Cemetery. His widow still works the old home farm. Our subject was married May 14, 1872, to Miss Emma Braymer who was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, May 7, 1854, daughter of Henry and Sarah A. (Myers) Braymer, who were early settlers in this county, and now residents of Townville. Two daughters were born to this union: Louis A., born October 24, 1874, and Donna P., born July 10, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Navy are members of the First Baptist Church of Townville. He is a member of the I.O.O.F.; a Republican in politics." That's all for the GILSON surname in this reference! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net